How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in the UK

Who Is A Pharmacy Technician? 

Before getting to know how to become a pharmacy technician, let us first get a brief idea of who they are. You must have encountered Pharmacy Technicians before over prescriptions at pharmacies. A Pharmacy technician is a valuable addition to any pharmaceutical specialist’s team. In general, they act as the bridge between pharmacists and consumers.

Pharmacy Technicians receive their training in specific programs. But they learn more from the Pharmacists at work. And Pharmacy technicians play important roles in assisting patients. They also contribute to making the most of their patients’ medications. Pharmacy Technicians also usually have a sound grasp of all the fields of pharmacy. For example – medicines procurement, production, planning, delivery and final inspection. They also play a role in medicines evaluation and medicines administration.

Additionally, Pharmacy Technicians help in calling physicians’ offices to confirm dosing orders.

Responsibilities of Pharmacy Technicians

The responsibilities of a Pharmacy Technician can be diverse in types. Thus, the job descriptions will often vary from pharmacy to pharmacy.

Generally, as a Pharmacy Technician, you are likely to work closely with Pharmacists. So your job will include careful drafting of prescriptions and checking medicines. In addition, offering medical advice, taking calls, etc., might be some other regular tasks. 

Besides these, Pharmacy Technicians also take care of related insurance and legal affairs.

Here is a compilation of the different types of tasks that Pharmacy Technicians do –

How To Become a Pharmacy Technician in The UK?

We have now developed a better understanding of who pharmacy technicians are.  Also, about their responsibilities. Therefore, it is time to know how to become a pharmacy technician. So, pharmacy technicians work under the supervision, direction, or guidance of a pharmacist. Therefore, they are crucial to the pharmacy team.

However, pharmacy technicians typically have to get a post-secondary education. But, by that time, they can get their responsibilities through on-the-job training.

Additionally, they can enrol in a pharmacy technology program at an accredited school. Eventually, most states have laws that enable Pharmacy Technicians to pass an assessment.  

On the other hand, they can complete a standardised education or training program. There are three ways you can enter the job of a pharmacy technician. These are:

1. A college course

2. An apprenticeship

3. A trainee position

However, you still need a level of educational other qualifications to get a job as a pharmacy technician.

1. Obtain a High School Certificate or An Equivalent Qualification 

Effective Pharmacy Technicians typically have good physics, chemistry, genetics, and physiology backgrounds. Furthermore, any student may opt to volunteer at a hospital or a healthcare centre. The purpose is to gain experience in the profession. Before that, a high school certificate is necessary to be qualified.

In high school qualification, your employers likely want to see 4 or 5 GCSEs with grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent. The subject must also include English and maths for an advanced apprenticeship role as a pharmacy technician.

2. Completing Post-Secondary Education Programs In Pharmacy Technology

Typically, these classes are provided through technical schools or community colleges. After a year or so, most programs grant a diploma, but some programs continue longer and progress to an associate’s degree.

Likewise, they cover various topics. For example, pharmaceutical arithmetic, record-keeping, drug dispensing methods, and pharmacy law and ethics.

Moreover, the technicians often learn doses and medication terms. Equally, clinical internship options are available in most programs. These programs allow students to obtain hands-on experience in a pharmacy.

So, after completing post-secondary degrees in pharmacy science, some Pharmacy Technicians join the profession. Typically, technical schools or community colleges deliver this education.

After a year or so, most programs grant a diploma. While some programs continue longer and progress to an associate’s degree. They cover a wide range of topics. Topics like pharmacy arithmetic, record-keeping, drug dispensing methods, and pharmacy law and ethics.

3. Other Entry Requirement for Pharmacy Technician

You can also become a pharmacy technician without pursuing a college degree. For this, you can apply for a trainee pharmacy technician position and get trained in the job. 

Employers will see your high school qualification as mentioned above. Your subject must include English, Maths and Science. You will also need a Level 2 Diploma in Applied Science, or equivalent qualifications.

You will also need to enrol on a training program. Make sure your training programme is also preparing you for the Certification exam for Pharmacy Technician

In order to become a pharmacy technician in you will need to complete an accredited course on it. You will also have to register under General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). You will need qualification through the completing Pharmacy Tech Diploma for apprenticeship and registering under GPhC.

Therefore, enrol in an accredited pharmacy technician program. It will help you to prepare you for becoming a certification exam for pharmacy technician which you will need to advance in your career. Here is the advantage of an online course on pharmacy technician:

1. It will allow you to keep your current job and study on track.

2. You will be able to know the drugs, dispensing medication, determining correct dosages, and necessary things that you must know to become a pharmacy technician.

3. Courses also teach the skills like customer service skills, record-keeping skills, and ethics that are necessary for pharmacy technicians.